Application Guide

How to Apply for Research Associate – Immigration Policy

at CATO Institute

🏢 About CATO Institute

The Cato Institute is a prominent libertarian think tank known for advancing principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace. Working at Cato offers the opportunity to influence public policy through rigorous research and advocacy in a mission-driven environment that values intellectual independence and scholarly excellence.

About This Role

As a Research Associate focusing on Immigration Policy, you would conduct in-depth research, analyze data, and produce publications that shape the national conversation on immigration reform. This role is impactful because it directly contributes to evidence-based policy recommendations that influence lawmakers, media, and public opinion toward market-based immigration solutions.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve analyzing new immigration data releases, drafting sections of a policy brief on employment-based visas, participating in team discussions about research methodology, and preparing talking points for media interviews on current immigration legislation. You'd collaborate with senior scholars while developing your own research agenda within Cato's immigration policy framework.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for CATO Institute

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who CATO Institute Is Looking For

  • Strong background in economics, political science, or public policy with specific coursework or research experience in immigration policy
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct quantitative analysis and interpret immigration data from sources like Census Bureau, DHS, or academic studies
  • Excellent writing skills with samples of policy analysis, research papers, or op-eds on immigration topics
  • Understanding of libertarian principles and ability to apply them to immigration policy debates

📝 Tips for Applying to CATO Institute

1

Reference specific Cato immigration publications or scholars (like Alex Nowrasteh) in your application to show genuine engagement with their work

2

Include writing samples that demonstrate both research rigor and ability to communicate complex immigration issues to diverse audiences

3

Highlight any experience with immigration policy organizations, even if volunteer or academic, that shows commitment to the field

4

Emphasize quantitative skills and familiarity with immigration datasets, as Cato's approach is heavily data-driven

5

Demonstrate understanding of how immigration policy intersects with other libertarian priorities like economic freedom and civil liberties

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your specific interest in Cato's unique libertarian approach to immigration policy", "Examples of research or analysis you've conducted on immigration topics", 'How your skills align with producing both scholarly research and accessible policy content', "Your understanding of current immigration policy debates and where Cato's perspective fits"]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Cato's Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity publications on immigration
  • → Recent Cato policy papers and op-eds on immigration topics
  • → Cato scholars' testimony before Congress on immigration issues
  • → The institute's organizational structure and how research associates contribute to publications

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Your views on specific immigration policy proposals like E-Verify, H-1B visas, or border security
2 How you would research the economic impact of immigration on wages or innovation
3 Your experience with statistical analysis of immigration data
4 How you would respond to common criticisms of market-based immigration approaches
5 Your familiarity with Cato's existing immigration research and where you might expand it
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Advocating for immigration policies that conflict with libertarian principles (like restrictive quotas or heavy government management)
  • Failing to demonstrate familiarity with Cato's specific research and policy positions
  • Presenting only ideological arguments without supporting data or research methodology

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to CATO Institute!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →